President Javier Milei has decided to withdraw Argentina from the World Health Organization (WHO), pointing to right-wing criticisms regarding COVID-19 lockdown measures. This decision comes shortly after former President Donald Trump, a close ally of Milei, also exited the U.S. from the organization.

In a statement made on Wednesday, Milei criticized the WHO’s handling of the COVID pandemic, arguing that it “failed in its greatest test” by endorsing lockdowns.

Milei echoed Trump’s claims, asserting that the organization’s recommendations were influenced by “political agendas rather than scientific evidence.”

Manuel Adorni, a spokesperson for Milei, explained that the withdrawal was motivated by “significant differences” and the organization’s “lack of independence from the political agendas of other nations.”

Milei has voiced similar right-wing criticisms of global institutions as Trump. During a speech at the United Nations, he labeled COVID lockdowns—advised by scientists to curb the virus spread—as a “crime against humanity.”

Trump initiated the U.S. withdrawal on his first day in office, facing backlash over his administration’s pandemic response in 2020, when COVID rapidly spread across the country, resulting in over a million American deaths.

Trump also objected to the financial contributions the U.S. was making to the WHO, dubbing them “onerous payments.” Under the Biden administration, the U.S. has been the largest financial contributor to the organization.

Health experts have expressed alarm over this decision, warning that it could hinder global efforts to combat diseases and prepare for future pandemics. Tarik Jašarević, a WHO spokesperson, stated that the organization’s collaboration with the U.S. has “protected and saved millions of lives in America and globally.”

Trump and his supporters have advocated for a “herd immunity” strategy regarding COVID, suggesting that allowing segments of the population to become infected would build immunity. However, global health experts contend that this approach contradicts scientific principles and could endanger many individuals.

Contributing: Reuters